Kyle Busch donates Feed The Children food truck to Barium Springs in statesville

On June 6 at Eldora Speedway, Kyle Busch won a lot more than Tony Stewart's annual charity late-model race, the Feed The Children Prelude to the Dream. He also won 20,000 pounds of food and supplies provided by Feed The Children to donate to the charity of his choice. After his wife Samantha visited Barium Springs earlier in the summer and met some of the children and staff, they decided it was the right place.

"Samantha and I were surprised to learn that 1 in 7 children in Iredell County are considered impoverished. That's right in our backyard," said Kyle Busch. "To know that we're doing a little to help means a lot to us but there is much more to be done to help these children. The community needs to be aware that this need is so great.

"Barium Springs is a great place because they provide so much more than the basics for these kids, which they desperately need. They set them up for success by teaching them important skill sets and giving them additional programs to make them stronger, more confident people. We are thankful to Feed The Children and Barium Springs for their service and for allowing us to participate in this day."

Kyle and Samantha arrived at Barium Springs and were greeted by staffers and children, as well as homemade posters, hand-written notes and drawings from the children welcoming them to their home. Kyle and Samantha assisted children from the Statesville and Wilkesboro campuses by loading their vans up with food, water, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.

"Words cannot express how grateful we are for this donation," said Barb Carlson, Donations Coordinator of Barium Springs. "Before coming to Barium Springs, many of our children have never been able to eat three meals a day. Children arrive to our school hungry every morning. This donation will make it easier for us to provide the basic necessities for the children in our care."

The boxes that weren't distributed today were put in storage, but will be quickly distributed throughout Barium Springs' network of homes in North Carolina.

"We are excited to provide help and hope to North Carolina children and families on behalf of this year's Prelude to the Dream winner Kyle Busch," said Kevin Hagan, Feed The Children President and CEO."Our thanks go out to him and all the drivers who are helping us to make a difference in children's lives all across America."